Living and breathing plants certainly add something to a space that is difficult to replicate—a soothing presence in a room that may otherwise seem a bit lifeless. Add that to the real health benefits that houseplants can bring to your life, and it’s easy to see why so many people want to find room for houseplants within their families of big humans, little humans, and furry friends.
DO enjoy the purified air provided by your houseplants.
The right houseplants are definitely worth the effort. Not only is all that extra greenery aesthetically pleasing and adept at creating a soothing living space, each plant is also an expert at air filtration! In fact, most houseplants filter out air pollutants, maintain moisture levels in the atmosphere around them, and naturally reduce the level of indoor carbon dioxide. What’s more, some studies show that houseplants could improve your overall mood and increase your productivity
DON’T choose a plant that can be toxic to your pets.
The wrong plant can present a real health hazard to your dog or cat. Some common houseplants can be toxic to animals when ingested, resulting in serious health issues. Fortunately, there is a myriad of beautiful indoor and outdoor plants that are totally safe for your pets, and the ASPCA has put together a very extensive reference guide for common plants and their interactions with domesticated animals.
DO put smaller plants in a location that is inaccessible to your pets.
In some cases, especially when the houseplant is small or fragile, it’s best to keep the plant away from your pets entirely. You can hang plants from ceiling hooks, place them on top of tall furniture, or find a decorative stand to place them around the room more strategically.
DON’T place very tall or very heavy plants where they might be knocked over.
If you have a cat in your life, then you’re already aware of how crafty they can be in knocking things over that seemed completely inaccessible. If you have a dog in your life, then you already know just how excited they can get—a kinetic force that could bowl over even the sturdiest plant pots. So, keep these things in mind when planning out the houseplants for each room that is open to your pets. Pay special attention to your very tall or very heavy plants, as they often present the greatest hazard and the greatest mess to clean up.
DO use simple and gentle deterrents to keep your plant’s soil safe.
Your plant’s soil will naturally attract your pets. Your dog will undoubtedly want to dig around in it to discover new smells, and your cat will likely want to use it for a litter box. To deter this behavior, you can cover your soil in river pebbles like our Primal expert below! If your pet is still disturbing the soil, you may need to remove the plant from that location until you can establish a better routine with your dog or cat.